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The Seated Liberty Half Dime of 1855 is a significant example from the Seated Liberty series, which was introduced in 1837 as a major design shift in U.S. coinage. This series reflects the artistic and technical advancements of the era, showcasing the evolving standards of American numismatics. The 1855 Half Dime, in particular, provides insights into the design choices and minting practices of the mid-19th century.
The design of the 1855 Seated Liberty Half Dime was created by Christian Gobrecht, a prominent engraver whose work left a lasting impact on American coinage. The obverse of the coin features Liberty seated on a rock, draped in a flowing gown, with her right hand resting on a staff topped with a liberty cap. This depiction symbolizes freedom and strength. Liberty is surrounded by thirteen stars, which represent the original thirteen colonies, and the date “1855” is positioned directly below her. The "Arrows" variety was introduced in 1853 to denote a change in weight and was later discontinued, with the design returning to its original form. On the reverse side, the coin features a simple yet elegant design: a wreath of olive branches encircling the denomination “5 C.” The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DIME” complete the design, clearly indicating the coin’s origin and value. This minimalist approach on the reverse side complements the obverse design and reflects the neoclassical style that was popular during this period.
The 1855 Seated Liberty Half Dime was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the primary facility responsible for U.S. coin production during the 19th century. The Philadelphia Mint played a crucial role in producing and distributing American currency, helping to meet the growing monetary needs of the nation. The mintage for the 1855 Half Dime was approximately 1,100,000 coins. This relatively high mintage reflects the coin’s significant role in everyday transactions and its importance in the American economy of the time. The large production volume also suggests that the coin was widely circulated, contributing to its presence in the nation’s circulating currency. The high mintage of the 1855 Half Dime underscores the Philadelphia Mint’s role in ensuring a stable and efficient currency system during this period.
In terms of condition, a Good (G) grade for the 1855 Seated Liberty Half Dime indicates that the coin has experienced considerable wear. In Good condition, the coin will exhibit significant smoothing and loss of finer details on both the obverse and reverse. Liberty’s figure, including the staff and liberty cap, will still be recognizable but worn down, with the surrounding stars appearing flattened. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DIME” will remain visible, though they may be faint or partially obscured due to wear. The coin’s surface will show typical signs of circulation wear, such as scratches, abrasions, and general smoothing. Despite these signs of wear, the essential design features and inscriptions remain identifiable, making Good examples of the 1855 Seated Liberty Half Dime valuable to collectors who appreciate its historical and numismatic significance.
The 1855 Seated Liberty Half Dime holds an important place in the history of U.S. coinage, reflecting both the artistic and technical standards of the mid-19th century. The coin’s design, minting history, and condition all contribute to its appeal and significance. As a product of the Philadelphia Mint and a continuation of Christian Gobrecht’s design legacy, the 1855 Half Dime captures a key moment in the evolution of American coinage. Collectors and historians value this coin for its historical context, its role in the development of U.S. currency, and its representation of the artistic and symbolic values of the period. Despite its wear, the 1855 Seated Liberty Half Dime remains a cherished item for those who appreciate the rich heritage of American numismatics and the complexities of its historical development.